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Academics

̽̽ offers degree and non-degree options for studying geospatial technologies (GST). Knowledge of these technologies provides students with the skills needed to meet the demands of their diverse careers in the global workplace.

Undergraduate Minor in Geospatial Technologies

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A minor in Geospatial Technologies provides knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and spatial analyses. This 15-credit program complements many major fields of study at ̽̽. 

 

Professional Certificate (non-degree) in GIS and Data Communication

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Are you looking to enter the growing fields of GIS and geospatial analysis? Already working in GIS but looking to expand your skillset?

This covers GIS, remote sensing, geospatial computation and data communication. Both for those new to the industry and those looking to advance in their career, the program is focused on developing conceptual knowledge, technical skills and applied uses of geospatial analysis.

Affordable, flexible, and conveniently offered fully online, ̽̽’s Professional Certificate program is taught by industry professionals who have a wide range of applied experience in the course material, including work with research enterprises, software companies, consulting firms, and NGOs.

The Program

This 4-course, non-credit, fully online Geographic Information Systems and Data Communication Professional Certificate serves professionals with different academic backgrounds and a variety of disciplines. Students enrolling will build skills to gain a promotion, or in some cases, a career change. The program emphasizes knowledge of concepts and theory for critical problem-solving.

While the program focuses on a handful of software tools, the introductory course will help students adapt to new or preferred software. Students will also increase their understanding of data collecting in the field with GPS and apps, problem solving with spatial analysis in GIS, map-making through cartography and data visualization, and environmental modeling.

Certificate Courses

The certificate is designed to be completed within one year. All courses are on 8-week schedules, with the potential to complete the certificate in as short as 8 months depending on the courses selected.

Course offerings include:

  • Introduction to GIS
  • Advanced GIS
  • Geospatial Computation
  • Data Visualization and Communication
  • Remote Sensing Foundations
  • Independent Study

GIS and Data Communication Certificate Faculty and Instructors

are experts in their field with applied experience to share with students. They have both a deep knowledge of the subject area and excellent skills in teaching.

Skills Relevant to Employers Provided by this Certificate Include:

  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS, ArcGIS)
  • GPS technology
  • Map-making, data visualization and communication
  • Database management
  • Remote sensing
  • Web mapping
  • Workflow programming with code (e.g., Python, R)

Outcomes

By the end of this program, you will have gained the skills to:

  • Understand important conceptual underpinnings of GIS and their practical applications
  • Harness remote sensing as a tool for environmental or landscape problem-solving
  • Analyze data to reveal patterns and relationships to better inform decision-makers
  • Create impactful maps and visualizations of large and complex datasets that encourage comparison and visual analysis by the viewer
  • Go beyond “off the shelf” buttons towards the ability to customize workflows, scripts, or models in Python and R

Questions?

Scholarships and Internships

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This is a collection of funding and experiential opportunities for students seeking support or skill building in Geospatial Technologies. There are many more opportunities you may find through your own networks and connections.

Consider how an internship may fit into your GST minor. For summer internship funding, inquire with your college or major advisor. Many of ̽̽'s colleges have funding opportunities for interns or will help you network to find an internship. Talk to you advisor and speak to other students to learn how they've found internships.

Graduate Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

Job Opportunities Related to Geospatial Technologies

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There are almost limitless applications for Geospatial Technologies. Recent graduates of ̽̽'s Geospatial Technologies programs have majored in Anthropology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Environmental Science and Studies, Food Systems, Forestry, Gender and Women's Studies, International Development, Political Science, Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. Potential job opportunities include:

  • Anthropologist
  • Business Analyst
  • Cartogropher
  • Consultant
  • Data Scientist
  • Environmental Analyst or Technician
  • Field Technician
  • Forester
  • Geographer
  • Geologist
  • Geospatial Developer
  • GIS Specialist
  • Health Informatics
  • Image Analyst
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Urban Planner
  • Remote Sensing or UAS Scientist